Let's face it. It's about time you got a little more creative with your hummus approach.

Like most simple recipes, the options are practically endless, so there’s no reason to be boring with your base. Edamame, lima beans, black beans, and even some vegetables make amazing bases for hummus-like dips.

Technically, traditional hummus has to have chickpeas—the Arabic word “hummus” literally translates to chickpeas. But while we can’t officially call purees from other legumes “hummus,” it’s not going to stop us from trying something new. Especially if it's an exciting and delicious alternative to everyday staples.

Try some of these approaches next time you want something a little bit crazier than chickpeas.

Tex-Mex Hummus

Go Tex-Mex with your hummus approach by using black beans as the base, or by adding Southwestern-style mix-ins. Try incorporating flavors like chipotle or lime juice, which is a dynamic flavor change from the nutty and lemony flavor of store-bought hummus. Spread some of your new hummus on a salsa-topped burger or just go at it with tortilla chips.

Raid the Produce Bin

For a truly revolutionary hummus, make it without any beans. Whipping together beets and walnuts makes an earthy and nutty flavor with that silken hummus texture, but a vibrant purple color. If that's a little too crazy, try blending parsley into your next batch—the herbacious bite fits in well with garlic and lemon.

Squash the Competition

Wait, since when is squash dippable? When the weather cools down, we’re first in line for a delicata squash-based hummus. When cooked directly on grill embers, delicata squash is meatier and richer than your standard yellow or butternut squash and makes for a sweet and smoky hummus.